Art and Technology Enrich a Community

Technology is all around, in abundance. And some might even complain there too much technology at our avail. As with a tsunami or hurricane which turns the positive benefits of water into a destructive force, what good are stores filled with pricey techno-tools if those who most need it can’t afford to buy it?

Digital literacy is not always de jour, because in the world of technology, you have to pay to play. Computers and broadband access cost money, and for those on fixed incomes, very low-income or no income, participating online can sometimes seem next to impossible.

Some non-profit organizations are addressing this issue.

In a neighborhood close to San Francisco’s City Hall is the Western Addition Community Technology Center. It’s a place of community devoted to using digital photography, art and technology to transform and heal the lives of young and old alike.

At WACTC one can learn how to build a resume, use computers to learn about genealogy, search online for jobs, edit digital photos, paint in Adobe Photoshop, troubleshoot computer problems and develop a host of other useful skills.

Felton Cogell is the center’s director, and in a recent group discussion, he and a few of the center’s clients shared their thoughts about the WACTC.

Felton Cogell (FC): During the late 1990’s with President Clinton, he allocated so many dollars, because he felt there was going to be a digital divide. Many states had money, so we got support from the feds, the state and the city to open the center.

ME: How did you get involved—why?

I’ve been seeking out this type of work since the late 90’s. I had worked as a network administrator, and when I realized how much I knew, I felt like this is what I wanted to do. A friend who knew me thought I would be a good fit, but they had hired someone already. So I tried to get the next position; taking a position as an instructor. Then I got promoted, working with seniors—the elderly. I realized then that everyone works at a different rate, in a different way.

ME: So, tell me about your connection to technology and creativity.

FC: I’ve been a photographer for 40 years. I’ve always had that artistic edge in me. I’ve never been school trained, but I’ve been painting for many years. I’d been using Photoshop for several years—growing along with it. So, I teach courses that I have a lot of interest in.

I also teach genealogy.

I’m doing the things I like to do. It’s not work. I’ve established some great relationships. A lot of people have come here to learn.

ME: How do you describe the digital divide?

It’s people who don’t have access to the digital world by having a computer at home that’s working, and having access to the internet. They miss out in those two areas; not able to come home and practice. A lot of homework has to be done online. So, that affects homework, because there’s not computers and broadband at home.

Today the digital divide affects mainly the poor, who can’t afford a computer and broadband. And what makes it even worse, is that there are [physical] community divides.

ME: How are you clients benefiting from what you offer?

Some people have gotten better jobs, and they’ve gotten promotions if they’ve already had jobs. This particular community has a lot of crime; a lot of people who were dealing drugs got a second start here. I have personally hired people from the community who had been prior incarcerated. Not all have had problems with the law, but many have.

I’m finding people in the 50’s are struggling, because they don’t’ know the programs—Microsoft Office, et all. And they are competing with high school graduates. This group is in a tough place, but with the 20 to 40 crowd, I’ve seen a lot of success.

A photo by Felton Cogell

A photo by Felton Cogell

WACTC Students Comment

Louvenia Williams says:

I’m 81. I was here when they built the building. I’ve been here 8 or 9 years, first learning general software, then Photoshop. I found that I loved it–that’s been my focus ever since. Some of [my] the old family photographs, I’ve tried restoring. Because they were in black and white, I’ve added color to a few of them.

Well, since I am retired, I feel like a family here. I look forward to coming to the center. We have our picnics, field trips…we celebrate birthdays.

It keeps my mind active to be involved. I walk to the center, so it’s good exercise. It benefits me in many ways.

James Smith says:

I’m 75 years old. I’ve been coming here since the first of the year. I found out about it through one of my lodge members. I need to learn about computers, and about taking pictures. Every time I go somewhere people ask me if I’ve brought pictures back. I never did, but now I’m trying to play catch-up to bring pictures back.

I’m meeting my expectations. I enjoy the camaraderie of all the people here. They’ve all been helpful. Sometimes the students tend to help with the instructors. It is beginning to be like a family. When someone is missing, you miss them. You get used to them being here.

I had been buying computers for my children. I didn’t want to get involved myself, but I reluctantly decided to switch over. I’m enjoying it too.

Doretha Albert says:

I’m 72. I’ve been coming here since 2002. I worked as a registered nurse for 36 years and at that time I had secretaries doing data input. Once I returned, I knew nothing about computers. I knew nothing about email…or nothing. One day I was at church and they announced they were opening a computer center, and I enrolled. I came and learned how to do emails. At the time we learned how to do copy and paste. We had different programs, like Publisher. We learned how to make mailing envelops, and how to do business cards. The class did a newsletter. This was in the first year.

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I have been volunteering at WACTC for about 3 months, I have tried other community endeavors before this without gaining the sense of satisfaction that has come from my time at WACTC. The atmosphere is very relaxed and encourages a healthy learning enviroment. The active participation of the students in the different classes that are offered is a testament to Felton Cogell’s commitment to developing and maintaining an enviroment conducive to learning…
The other half of WACTC is the computer lab open to all who want computer and internet access. I would be remiss if I did not give praise to Melanee Hall for her dedication to a friendly and useful enviroment. Along with the technical ability neccessary to keep the equipment running smoothly, she seems to be the go to person for things such as help building resume’s, instruction for “on the fly” use of Microsoft programs and is an absolute expert with Itunes. Melanee’s smiling face along with her no nonsense approach has kept my spirits high, making my time here an absolute joy…

It is so gratifying to see this computer center continuing its good work to help everyone who stops in with classes, access to using the internet, and encouraging people to upgrade skills to do the best they can. Keep doing what you are doing. It helps! Pam Dannenberg

nice article..thanks for the post..Without society then there would be no science and technology and that is why the invention of certain tools and equipment have helped achieve big things. Society can not do without the industries we have today. The society needs science and technology. The creation of computers is work of art by individuals was a milestone that would come a long way in helping the society. A computer helps us to leverage ourselves by gaining valuable information that we can use to enrich our lives. The impact of science and technology can seriously be recognized. Many people around the world take for example scholars in colleges and universities have taken the lead examining the relationship between science and technology.

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